Change that Matters

1. Broadband Internet Access in Rural Virginia Last year, the “Broadband Deployment Act” was put forth in the House of Delegates. Misleadingly named, this bill would have made it virtually impossible for municipalities to offer broadband internet to residents, keeping rural Virginians without internet access.

Lizzie believes the best interests of rural Virginians are too often overlooked in the General Assembly. It is time we make it easier for those without internet, or with painfully outdated and slow connections, to enjoy the same access to the internet as those in suburban and urban areas.

2. Affordable & Accessible Health Care The Affordable Care Act has made great strides in providing consumer protections and providing coverage to individuals. The General Assembly must work with the ACA and stop trying to work against it. It is Virginia’s responsibility to ensure that insurance companies do business fairly and look out for its residents. People should have access to their insurance without fear of meeting their insurance cap or being discriminated against due to a preexisting condition.

Lizzie will fight to expand Medicaid coverage to those who fall into the wage gap. Every time Republicans in the House vote against expanding Medicaid they are voting to leave thousands of Virginias without coverage. This is simply unconscionable.

3. Supporting Public Education Lizzie is a passionate advocate for our public schools. Many in our district enjoy the benefits that an excellent, high-quality education affords them and she is proud of the public school system in the 56th. However, detrimental programs currently gaining some traction in our state and nation, such as vouchers and charter schools, will leave our public schools grossly underfunded.

This would negatively affect not only the education our children receive, but also our property values and our local economy. Poor, underfunded public schools will wreak havoc on our ability to attract businesses to our district. Good schools result in good communities, and make the 56th district such a great place to live.

4. Advocating for Mental HealthLizzie is dedicated to advocating for the destigmatization of mental health issues. Many of those who struggle with their mental health do not seek treatment due to a lack of access to proper care and an unfair bias against mental health in our society.

Lizzie will fight to expand mental health education in our district and the Commonwealth, as well as making sure that mental healthcare is available to all who seek it, regardless of income or zip code.

5. Protecting LGBTQ+ RightsThe conservative House has put forth many bills infringing on the rights of LGBTQ+ folks in Virginia. It is our diversity that makes us a stronger, better, and more understanding place to live. Lizzie will fight against bills that attack and alienate the LGBTQ+ community, such as the shameful “bathroom bills” that have no place in Virginia legislation and harm the economy and reputation of the state.

Lizzie pledges to always listen to and advocate for those who face discrimination.

6. Women’s Rights & Access to Healthcare Every day, government at the federal, state, and local levels are attacking a woman’s right to her own body, attempting to strip her of her freedom of choice. Wearing a pink hat and marching in D.C. is simply not enough. The General Assembly needs Democratic legislators who are not afraid to stand up to a conservative agenda with a voice loud and clear. We need true, experienced leaders who will always stand up for Planned Parenthood, who will always fight for a woman’s right to safe access to abortion procedures, who will champion women’s access to birth control and contraception.

Lizzie will lead this tireless fight to protect women from the government’s attempts to legislate women’s rights away from them.